Why You Shouldn’t Use Stomach Wraps to Lose Weight

I have been offered by multiple paid promotions from companies to have free body wraps sent to me. I was asked to photograph tmyself using them on my Instagram page, showing my progress. The first red flag was that I felt as though I look like the “after” photos of the promotions I’ve seen, so clearly these things don’t work and they just want to give off the message that I look the way I do from using them. Past this initial notion, I have heard many horror stories of these wraps. So I did some research before making a decision simply off my preconceive notions.

After reading about four articles warning of the potentially life threatening affects, I quickly decline the offer, telling the company that I was not comfortable promoting such a product to my followers. But I wanted to take it a step further, and tell people why these things are so bad for you, on top of not producing the effects they claim.

In today’s world the pressure of body image is everywhere we go, and everywhere we look. Due to this immense social trend of needing to lose weight, we want a fix similar to an app, something we just have to buy, that will do it instantaneously for us, without having to put in any work. Well, let me tell you, this is an unrealistic goal.

The craze over stomach wraps has become prominent in weight loss culture. I’m here to tell you why not only do stomach wraps not do what they claim to, but they are a dangerous form of weight loss and could actually result in weight gain.

Additionally, those who do not wish to spend $150+ on spa treatment wraps, or at home kits, which range from $80-$200, are using plastic saran wrap to do the trick. This plastic wrap contains PVC, which is among the most dangerous consumer products. PVC’s harmful substances have been lined to negatively affecting the liver, spleen, kidneys, bone formation and cancer. These substances have also been linked to body weight. Many of the purchasable wraps contain aluminum, which is linked to Alzheimer’s

If you’re still willing to take the risk over hopes of losing a few pounds, let me try to further convince you to stay away. All you’re losing is water weight, which means unless you’re planning on permanently dehydrating yourself, which I hope I don’t have to tell you will lead to more severe problems… you’ll put the weight back on as soon as you rehydrate. But that’s not even the fun part. You can die from low blood volume shock caused by dehydration, known as hypovolemic shock. One can also overheat because although you’re sweating more than normal, which is supposed to relieve body heat, the sweat is just insulated by the wrap, sitting in the same overheated spots.

“But my friend does it and she swears by it!” Most people that rave about the product also stick to a healthy diet and workout at least 4 times a week. Your friend may also be dehydrated. The body needs 2 liters of water a day, or eight 8 ox glasses, remember to stick to the 8×8 rule so you’re hydration stays on track!